Nine public landings directly on the St. Johns River and 20 more on connected waterways are part of the St. Johns Paddling Trail in Putnam County. This breakdown shows how access points on the river itself differ from those on connected waterways. Wildlife along the trail includes Florida black bears and manatees, among other species.
Paddling Trails with Different Access Points
The Ocklawaha Paddling Trail has two landings in the area of Kirkpatrick Dam: a paved boat ramp on the east side and a sandy landing on the west side. The trail also includes several sandy shore landings, including historic Davenport Landing. The Ocklawaha is the most frequently paddled waterway in Putnam County. At the access points described, the difference between a paved ramp and a sandy shore is especially clear.
The Dunns Creek Paddling Trail is a six-mile-long, deep waterway connecting the St. Johns River with Crescent Lake. Cypress trees, hardwoods and water lilies line the entire trail. The landings are also important when planning access: the trail has two public landings and several private ones.
The Seven Sisters Paddling Trail includes nine uninhabited islands. Its only public access point is a small boat ramp in the community of Hermits Cove. Stokes Landing, in the trail area, has a historical connection to John Bartram: he stored supplies there, shipped his specimens and received his mail.
Forests, Swamps and Trails on Land
Public access to the Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area is available year-round on foot, by horseback or by bicycle. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling and wildlife watching are also possible there year-round. The area includes pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, river swamps and pastureland.
A section of the Florida National Scenic Trail runs through the Rice Creek Conservation Area. Hoffman Crossing is a narrow, 1,886-foot-long boardwalk in the Rice Creek Swamp. Another notable feature of the area is a historic 18th-century dam built for a rice plantation. It leads into the swamp to one of Florida’s seven largest cypress trees. The boardwalk and the dam represent two distinct, specifically named trail features within the area.
Another way to explore Putnam County on foot is the Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail. This 19-mile paved, multi-use trail runs through St. Johns and Putnam Counties. The East River Road Trailhead in Putnam County marks the end of the trail and has three roadside parking spaces.
Palatka’s History and Local Life
In Palatka, the Putnam County Historical Society operates the Putnam Historic Museum. The Bronson-Mulholland House now serves as a museum and event venue. Visitors can tour its well-preserved rooms and period furnishings. Palatka’s cultural highlights thus include both a museum and a historic house with preserved interiors.
The Putnam County Bartram Trail also brings the connection to John Bartram to life: its map leads to 31 places in the region that Bartram visited. The section of the Bartram Trail in Putnam County was recognized as a National Recreational Trail in 2015. The number 31 refers to the places on the regional map; the 2015 designation applies specifically to the section in the county.
At Palatka’s Riverfront Park, a roughly 0.25-mile waterfront walking trail offers views of the St. Johns River. In the historic downtown, the Palatka Farmers Market brings together local farmers, makers and artists and offers fresh produce and handmade goods. So alongside historic sites, the list of things to discover also includes a riverside walk and a market featuring regional produce.
Discover more destinations: Palatka, Jefferson County, Jackson County, Indian River, Orange, St. Johns, Citrus, Leon.
For the main travel overview: Florida.
